The start of Mamba Week by the Los Angeles Lakers could not have gotten off to a better one. They used a tremendous effor to to secure a 135-115 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. LeBron James led the way with 30 points and 10 assists. Anthony Davis added 18 points in only one half of action due to back spasms. The team shot their highest field goal percentage at 56.3 percent, their best performance since May 19, 2010, vs. the Phoenix Suns per Lakers Beat Writer Harrison Faigen. They also tied their franchise playoff record of 25 points in transition, set back in 2001 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Explosive Beginning
The Lakers were lights-out in the first quarter, scoring 43 points on 68.4 percent shooting. They even hit 80 percent of their threes, an extraordinary feat considering the team’s shooting struggles. The Lakers went into halftime ahead 80-51, the most points they’ve scored in a half in the bubble. They never looked back.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Turning It Around
Things are certainly trending up for KCP in his last few games. He’s now registered 13.6 points since through three games after opening the first round with a single point. He also continues to lead a defensive attack that held Damian Lillard to 24.2 points this series.
Better From Long Range, Way Better!
You can’t say it enough, but the Lakers hitting their threes uncorks everything for this team. They finished Monday night shooting 43.6 percent from three. When these Lakers show up firing, they’re arguably the best team in basketball.
The Lakers have an opportunity to close the series on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled on at 9PM EST/6PM PST.
